Orange Get a Commit from Curtis Harper

Syracuse bolstered its young defensive line today with a commitment from 3-star defensive tackle Curtis Harper. The Pennsylvania native pledged to the Orange over offers from the likes of Boston College, Iowa State, Temple, UConn, and Maryland.

I wrote about Harper not too long ago, as it was becoming clear he was a priority target for the coaching staff. The 6-foot-3, 290 pounder will likely be the only defensive tackle the Orange take this cycle, and has plenty of power that will enable him to contribute early in his career. This is a nice pickup for the Orange, and the second defensive lineman this cycle along with defensive end Zach Morton. Here’s what our Justin Roe had to say about Harper:

“Good prospect. He has good feet, but needs to recognize the snap better to get off the ball quicker. You can tell he’s strong, because he’s still getting into the backfield despite delayed snap recognition. He has a swim move and a rip move that he uses in his film that allows him to shed blockers. He’s definitely a one technique type of DT. He packs a powerful punch when he first engages the OL. When he learns to lock his arms better and bring his hips with him, he will be very disruptive. He reminds me of Eric Crume a little bit.”

Harper will join a young group of DTs that includes Kayton Samuels, Chris Slayton, Steven Clark, Anthony Guidice, Tyler Cross, and McKinley Williams when he arrives at Syracuse. He’s already got Division 1 size and shows a nice motor. In his film, he looks like a man among boys at times, simply manhandling opponents on several plays.

Harper is now the 17th member of the 2017 recruiting class for Syracuse, and the eighth defensive player (with the assumption that Eric Coley winds up at defensive back).

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Jeff is a 2003 graduate of Syracuse University, and has been published on various websites including Cracked.com, Spike.com, TheSportster.com, Gunaxin.com, and TopTenz.net, among others. His work was featured in the New York Times bestselling book You Might Be a Zombie and Other Bad News. He's got a wife, and a toddler he's brainwashing to love Syracuse. Jeff's a pretty great guy, overall, and would never steal your car. Follow him on Twitter: @jekelish